It has been called "The Beverly Hills of the East." Buckhead is, indeed, an exceptional place … a community that shines with vitality and vision. Saturday, June 16th, was no exception, as Georgia’s music community gathered at the Buckhead Theater for the Inaugural GA Music Awards Ceremony.
Music legends and up-and-coming artists shared the red carpet for a night that will be remembered by all.
Woodstock’s Madison Shea, one of the winners in the Youth Music category told me her song, “I’ve Got a Secret,” was her way of telling a boy she had a crush on him.
James Murray of Blind by Sight, who was joined by his lovely wife, April, was thrilled, as his band had the honor of being the opening performers.
Christina Quinones aka Tyna Q, who also won in the Youth Music category, is the first Latina to ever be nominated in any category.

R&B Male nominee Chris Cauley graced the red carpet with Cindy Brusco of Red Light Management. You may remember Chris from season two of The Voice. He was selected to be part of Adam Levine’s team after singing Grenade by Bruno Mars.
Chicago Mike from Kool & the Gang, a seasoned professional, shared a pearl of wisdom. He wanted the newcomers to know that “this is not a game. Get rest and eat right to maintain a good performance.”
Paris Luna and Ginger Fawcett were both winners in the Female Rock category. Lucky me, I got to hang out with Paris Luna at a performance the night before.
Omar and Christi thanked everyone who helped bring this “baby” to fruition. A special thanks was given to Kimberly James, CEO of CBM records, for her extensive contributions and perseverance in “making things happen.”
Listed below are the nominees and winners (in bold):
Rock Female: Ginger Fawcett, Eryn Woods, Carly Kane, Seanna Turner, Paris Luna, The DollDaze
Rock Band: The Six Shot Revival, Life & Limb, Almost Kings, ThroatPuncH, Crane, Greedy White Citizens, Southern Mischief
Americana/Blue Grass: Neil Cribbs, Evan BarBer and The Dead Gamblers, East Dixie Boys, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Joe McGuinness, Honey Blue, The Train Wrecks
Hip Hop Male: Jalon Blac, GT Live, Syke Pachino, J Bar, King Malachi, Mykel Myers, Willie Hen
Gratitude overflowed, as names were announced and the winners accepted their awards. I was humbled to be in the midst of the talent-filled Buckhead Theater.
Congratulations not only to the winners, but also to all who attended … you are part of Georgia music history!
Music legends and up-and-coming artists shared the red carpet for a night that will be remembered by all.
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Madison Shea |
Woodstock’s Madison Shea, one of the winners in the Youth Music category told me her song, “I’ve Got a Secret,” was her way of telling a boy she had a crush on him.
James Murray of Blind by Sight, who was joined by his lovely wife, April, was thrilled, as his band had the honor of being the opening performers.
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Tyna Q |

R&B Male nominee Chris Cauley graced the red carpet with Cindy Brusco of Red Light Management. You may remember Chris from season two of The Voice. He was selected to be part of Adam Levine’s team after singing Grenade by Bruno Mars.
Winston Warrior, another R&B male nominee has a voice like silk, and is as kind as he is handsome. I shared a table with him and his entourage while partaking in the red carpet activities.
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Chicago Mike and me |
Chicago Mike from Kool & the Gang, a seasoned professional, shared a pearl of wisdom. He wanted the newcomers to know that “this is not a game. Get rest and eat right to maintain a good performance.”
Comcast Xfinity Video of the Year nominee Chiedza Ponder, had an unforeseen emergency, so Herbert Bowens represented Chiedza in his absence. In chatting with Herbert, I learned that the name Chiedza means Bright Shiny One.
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Paris Luna |
The Inaugural GA Music Awards Ceremony began with the rockin’ sounds of Blind by Sight. After the riveting performance, GA Music Awards co-founder Christi Chambers took the stage and welcomed everyone to the Buckhead Theatre. She introduced GA Music Awards founder Omar McCallop, who stated that after two years in the making, the big night was finally here … YAY!
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Christi Chambers, Alan Walden of Capricorn Records and Kimberly James |
Omar and Christi thanked everyone who helped bring this “baby” to fruition. A special thanks was given to Kimberly James, CEO of CBM records, for her extensive contributions and perseverance in “making things happen.”
Listed below are the nominees and winners (in bold):
Country Male: Chase Bean, Mike McCarroll, Chuck Courtenay, Ty Bates, Ricky Gunn, Tyler Reeve, Jared Ashley
Country Female: Abby Owens, Rachel Farley, Angela Reign, Lauren Ashley, Meagan Kerns, Faith Jackson, Jessi Scott
Country Band: Reluctant Saints, BadHorse, Runnin’ Wild Band, Allatoona, The Big Money Band
Youth Music Nominees: Rachel Starnes, Colt Chambers, Hunter Price, New Nerds, OMG Girls, Prince Newfew & Da Mill, Big Korey, Madison Shea, Cristina Quinones, Ynck
Rock Male: Mike Martin, Davin McCoy, Jason Lee Jones, Paul Warner, Erik Rodgers
Rock Female: Ginger Fawcett, Eryn Woods, Carly Kane, Seanna Turner, Paris Luna, The DollDaze
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ThroatPuncH and Alan Walden |
Alternative Band: Blind By Sight, Vortex Park, Sexual Side Effects, Wesley Cook Band, The Symphony Crack Orchestra, Ben Lovett, Hannah Thomas
Americana/Blue Grass: Neil Cribbs, Evan BarBer and The Dead Gamblers, East Dixie Boys, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Joe McGuinness, Honey Blue, The Train Wrecks
Hip Hop Male: Jalon Blac, GT Live, Syke Pachino, J Bar, King Malachi, Mykel Myers, Willie Hen
Hip Hop Female: J Misses, KaSwiss, Contanek, Enna Redd, Chi Chi Diva
R&B Male: Winston Warrior, Norwood, Chris Cauley, Xavier Lewis, Siergio, Steven Knight, Jovan Dais
R&B Female: Hanan, Samantha Falk, Susan Tedeschi, Tia Michelle, Sheryl Boyd, Te Char, Tocarra Hamilton
R&G Group: Lissen, Kazual, Allure
Producer: Mike Froedge, Clay Cook, Paul Diaz, Teddy Bishop, Mike Snoddy, Lazar Gray, Nick Chahwala
XFINITY On Demand Audience Award: Angela Reign, Honey Blue, Throat Punch, Chiedza, Kazual, Xavier Lewis, Mandy Gawley, Sexual Side Effects (All She Ever Hurt), Collier Daily, Clan Destined, Ben Lovett, Gareth Asher
Model of the Year: Kansas Patrick, Ashanti Toi, Sarah Oliver, Wakina, Mei Ling Lam, Allison Collins
Trendsetter Award: Mr. Colli Park
Lifetime Achievement Awards: SOS Band, Alan Walden, and Dungeon Family
Gratitude overflowed, as names were announced and the winners accepted their awards. I was humbled to be in the midst of the talent-filled Buckhead Theater.
Congratulations not only to the winners, but also to all who attended … you are part of Georgia music history!
Don't forget to also check out the interview with Winston Warrior (GA Music Awards nominee) on When We Speak!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7UDvHL0LjM
This was a great event. Enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Bonnie!
ReplyDelete